Khrenin: Belarus is in favor of international security based on collective approach

MINSK, 28 April (BelTA) - Belarus is in favor of international security based on a collective approach, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said during the SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in New Delhi, India, BelTA learned from the press service of the Defense Ministry.

According to Viktor Khrenin, the world is living through an extremely difficult historical period, when even outer space and cyberspace are being militarized, when risks of biological or bacteriological warfare and the use of other types of weapons of mass destruction are increasing. "Innovative technologies in the field of communications, electronics, hypersonic technologies, computer technology and artificial intelligence significantly accelerate the processes of preparation and launch of military conflicts, combat control. It became obvious that our world will be completely different," Viktor Khrenin emphasized.

At the same time, the defense minister believes that this historical moment can also serve to develop new models of supranational relations: "In this difficult period, when faced with powerful external pressure, we need to preserve the sovereignty and independence of our states, to build new effective models of interstate relations, coordinate foreign policy and increase defense capabilities, regardless of any external factors. This is a reasonable reality dictated by the spirit of the times."

Viktor Khrenin noted that Belarus' position remains unchanged: "Realizing that it is not possible to reliably defend its independence and territorial integrity on one's own today, we stand for strengthening international security based on a collective approach that does not tolerate confrontational thinking, domination or any exclusivity. This is why we have set ourselves the goal of becoming a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, have completed all the necessary internal procedures for accession and are ready for full-scale participation in the organization's activities in all areas of cooperation," the defense minister assured.